FAQs: Our Contract with Humana

Humana Medicare’s agreement with SLV Health will be ending at the end of this year, 2025. Beginning on January 1, 2026, SLV Health’s hospitals, clinics, providers and services will be offered to those on Humana Medicare Advantage plans on an Out of Network basis.

Why is the agreement ending between Humana and SLV Health?

Multiple reasons contributed to this decision, chief among them the experience that many SLV Health patients have had with the insurer. Patients have reported difficulties with receiving the benefits they were promised when signing up for the insurance. SLV Health staff has repeatedly witnessed denials and barriers that have negatively impacted patients and resulted in delays in services, prompting the decision to end the contract with the insurer. It is important that we maintain fair and responsible agreements with insurance companies. As a non-profit organization, these agreements allow us to keep up with the rising cost of care, treat underserved patients, and continue to invest in our communities each year.

When does this change take effect?

The contract between San Luis Valley Health and Humana Insurance will expire
at midnight on December 31, 2025. SLV Health will continue to accept Humana as in-network through December 31, 2025.

What if I have a Humana Supplement plan?

Humana's Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not Medicare Advantage plans and not impacted by the agreement ending on December 31, 2025.

For facts about Medicare Advantage, click here to access an info sheet put together by the Colorado Hospital Association.

What does the end of the agreement with Humana mean for my cost of care?

In January 2026, Humana Medicare Advantage patients will be considered self-pay. Patients will need to submit their requests for reimbursement to Humana directly; SLV Health will assist patients with claim forms they can submit.

What if I have a Humana Medicare Employer Group Plan, such as a PPO?

SLV Health will be unable to accept Humana Medicare Employer Group Plans as of January 1, 2026.

Which SLV Health locations will be affected by the expiration of the agreement with Humana?

All of SLV Health's hospitals, clinics, providers and services as of January 1, 2026.

What options do I have to change my Medicare Advantage Plan?

You can take action to explore a different Medicare plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment period. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period begins October 15, 2025 and is active through December 17, 2025. Patients may also shift to a different Medicare Advantage plan one time during the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period between January 1 and March 31, 2026.

Who can I contact with further questions?

We deeply value you as our patient and want to do all we can to ensure you can maintain full access to providers and nurses you trust. To learn more about the Medicare Enrollment periods and when you're eligible to make changes to your plan, visit Medicare's website at Medicare.gov or, visit CMS.gov for more information. You can also contact the SLV Area Agency on Aging and speak with the certified State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Coordinator for assistance with navigating plan options by calling (719)589-4511.

If you have questions regarding this change, please call our Business Office at (719)587-5711. Please note that SLV Health cannot recommend any health plan or help with enrollment.